Where I Ponder the Meaning of Moss

So, why is that I'm knitting a lovely pattern and the directions say to knit the Moss Stitch for 4 rows... and then I read the stitch-by-stich instructions for the Moss Stitch only to discover that it's really a Seed Stitch in my mind.  Is this an English vs American definition?

In my mind, the Seed Stitch has always been a K1, P1 pattern over an odd number of stitches (repeat of 2+1)  (You would K that last stitch).  You would repeat this pattern every row.  Or, as some people like to say, knit the purls and purl the knits

Moss Stitch, on the other hand, was a K2, P2 pattern.  On the wrong side, you would then knit the stitches as they present themselves.  On the 3rd row, you would alternate and Knit the Purls and Purl the Knits for a P2, K2 pattern  On the 4th row you would knit the stitches as they present themselves.  This would give you 2x2 block pattern. 

What about you?  How do you interpret Moss Stitch vs Seed Stitch?

Comments

[Lynn]

To me they are a bit interchangeable, kind of like a tomato/tomahto thing. It gives a very similar look.

[bea]

Your definitions work for me but I've also seen moss as k1,p1 for a row then p1,k1 for two rows, then k1,p1 again. So you get a weird combination fo the two.

[Tammy]

I agree with Sara -- I've always thought moss and seed were the same stitch.

[Mary]

I thought the same as you. :)

[Charlotte]

I interpret seed and moss as you do although I think I've seen what you and I call moss called double seed stitch.

[Jo Shields]

As a major non-knitter, I would recommend that you plant the seeds, and then sit and watch the moss grow! xoxo Jo Shields

[Libby]

My understanding is that Moss stitch is the english version of the american seed stitch - which I always thought was K1P1 then back along K the purls and P the knits. What you refer to as seed stitch, I know as the english/kiwi 'double moss stitch'. Isn't it frustrating when you have to frog back?

[Sara]

I've always thought moss and seed were the same (Brit vs. US). THe pattern you described I've always called double seed. Yay multiple terms! :-)